The Rainbow Club (Understanding Bullying)

Text: Annette Aubrey

Illustrations:  Patrice Barton

Year: 2007

Publisher: QED Publishing, UK

Age: 5 – 10 years

No. of Pages: 24

Book Type: Life Skills, Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 84835 005 2

This insightful and sensitive book on bullying attempts to explore the underlying causes of bullying and the varying responses and reactions that children commonly manifest.

This book is aimed at very young children where bullying often begins with children looking for a common ground to feel comfortable with one another. In the context of this book, it is as innocuous as the color of their attire on field trip day.

This book is a great way to help children who might turn out to be potential bullies by holding up a mirror to them as well as for those who might be bullied.

Excerpt

Chloe and Tommy were best friends.

They loved to find new things to do. 

Pig’s curly wurly tail – A Goosefeather Farm Story

Text: Jillian Harker

Illustrations: Simon Abbott

Year: 2002

Publisher: Bright Sparks, UK

Age: 3 - 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 84250 535 9

This Goosefeather Farm story is from Bright Sparks who donate one book to less fortunate children for every two sold.

This delightful tale is about self-acceptance, even if some of our attributes don’t seem to have any purpose. Like poor little Pig. He’s under the weather about his tail.

His tail doesn’t seem to be able to flick off flies like Cow’s or be of any use to him. Soon, he’s flooded with advice and help from Goose, Lamb and Horse. Eventually, they realize that Pig’s tail is unique and what's more, he has won the competition for the best tail on the farm. :-)

This friendly book, with its large print and bright, happy illustrations, belongs in your library if you have little ones. 

The Goosefeather Farm series is a colorful and cheery means to introduce children to diversity and to help them appreciate the unique differences that make each of us special. 

Excerpt

Pig stood up.

“Why?” he asked. “I can’t flick it. It doesn’t waggle. It won’t swing and it’s not sleek or straight. It’s a … useless tail! How could it possibly be the best tail on the farm?”

Other Goosefeather Farm titles are

• Cow's ding dong bell
• Frog's flicky licky tongue
• Duck's scoopy doopy beak

Tiny Goes to the Library (Puffin Young Readers – Level 1)

Text: Cari Meister

Illustrations: Rich Davis

Year: 2000

Publisher: Puffin Young Readers, New York

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book, Educational

ISBN:  978 0 44845 787 1

Tiny is a big dog. No, he’s a very big dog (think Clifford but brown). He goes everywhere with his beloved friend, a clever little boy. The Tiny series is typically books for beginner readers but it’s also a heart-warming story of friendship and sharing.

Excerpt

I go inside.

Tiny stays outside.

I get dog books.

I get frog books.

I get bird books for Tiny.

Other titles in this series

• Level - 1: A new friend
• Level - 1: At the beach 
• Level - 1: Ice Cream Soup
• Level - 1: Max has a Fish, Review here
• Level - 1: Nicky Upstairs and Down 
• Level - 1: Play with Blue
• Level - 1: Tiny goes camping 
• Level - 1: Tiny the Birthday Dog 
• Level - 1: Tiny the Snow Dog 

• Level - 2: Cowboy Roy, Review here
• Level - 2: Madeline and her dog, Review here
• Level - 2: Princess Buttercup, Review here
• Level - 2: Red, White and Blue
• Level - 2: Shape Spotters, Review here 
• Level - 2: Snug Bug, Review here
• Level - 2: Spider's Lunch, Review here
• Level - 2: The Cow in the House, Review here
• Level - 2: The Garden that we grew  
• Level - 2: Who stole the cookies?, Review here

• Level - 3: Agapanthus Hum and the Eyeglasses
• Level - 3: Amanda Pig on her own
• Level - 3: Why do birds sing?

Hector and the Cello

Author and Illustrator: Ros Asquith

For Ages: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 24

Publisher: Big Cat, London

Year: 2005

ISBN: 978-0-00747-063-1

Now here’s a book that addresses an issue faced by all who dare to dream – criticism. People around us simply seem to love trampling on our dreams and aspirations. Some mean well and some don’t. Nevertheless, it is a real problem and something that we need to familiarize our children with.

Meet Hector the hippopotamus, who has a dream - to play the cello. Naturally, the lion, the leopard, the rhino and the snake express their disbelief in different ways and unknowingly, give Hector all that he needs to buy a cello and some lessons. Soon, he’s on his way to achieving his dream with happy consequences for all the animals of the wild, wet jungle.

Excerpt

“I want to play the cello,” said Hector. “Please don’t roar, or growl, or snort, or hiss.”

“Do you have a cello?” asked the lyrebird.

“No,” said Hector. “But I have a lion’s mane, a leopard’s spots, a rhino’s horn and a snake’s skin. 

Will that buy me a cello and some lessons?”

Gruff the Grump

Author: Steve Smallman

Illustrator: Cee Biscoe

For Ages: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 26

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Year: 2009

ISBN: 978-1-56148-669-4

Now here’s a beautiful story with brilliant illustrations that make you want to frame up a couple of pages to hang on the wall.

This tender story about a grumpy bear discovering kindness and eventually, happiness in his lonely existence is bound to evoke feelings of empathy amongst young readers.

The story is narrated extremely well. It’s not poetry but you almost want it to be. Don’t be surprised if your children pick up a few sentences and repeat them like rhymes. But then, it isn’t a rhyme, either.

I must say, meaningful stories (for children) like this are rare and a find like this ought to be treasured.

Excerpt

Gruff was a bear.

A great big bear.

A great big, scowly, growly, grizzly grump of a bear.

He lived all alone in a musty, dusty old cave where nobody ever came to visit. The other animals hid when they saw him coming. They called him, ‘Gruff the Grump’.

“HUMPH!” went Gruff the Grump to show he didn’t care. 

Open Wide!

Author: Julia Moffatt

Illustrator: Anni Axworthy

For Ages: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

Publisher: Evans Brothers, London

Year: 2004

ISBN: 978-0-23752-791-4

This is a great book to help introduce your child to dental care and dentists. It features a simple story line but it’s a practical book to help with children like Danny. He’s been scared by his big brother and does not want to visit a dentist for a check-up. He drags his feet until he realizes the dentist isn’t all that scary.

And the full-page, full color illustrations, definitely help.

Excerpt

Inside, Danny was surprised. It didn’t look like a spooky cave at all.

The dentist didn’t look like a monster, either.

“Would you like a ride on my chair?” he said.

“Wheeeeee!” said Danny.

“Open wide!” said the dentist. 

Milly, Molly and What Was That?

Author: Gill Pittar

Illustrator: Cris Morrell

Year: 2001

Publisher: Milly Molly Books, New Zealand

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 24

ISBN: 978-1-86972-031-5

Milly and Molly are inseparable friends who constantly learn new things about people, places and important values.

Milly and Molly decide to spend the night with Bunty the ewe in Farmer Hegarty’s barn. After a night of startling sounds – the cricket, the mouse, the owl and other animals – they are each rewarded with a very special gift.

The Milly, Molly series of books (over 30!) are designed to promote healthy character and develop strong foundational values among children. 

Excerpt

“Puk puk, puk puk,”

“What was that?”

“A hen gathering in her chicks,” yawned Bunty. “Snuggle down and close your eyes.”

Flap, flap, flap.

“What was that?”

“Just a bat coming in from the night,” whispered Bunty. “You are perfectly safe.”

Milly, Molly and the Stowaways

Author: Gill Pittar

Illustrator: Cris Morrell

Year: 2003

Publisher: Milly Molly Books, New Zealand

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-1-87729-759-5

Milly and Molly are inseparable friends who constantly learn new things about people, places and important values.

In this book, they are at a play on stowaways. The captain orders that the stowaways prove their worth to earn their keep. Each stowaway exhibits a unique talent but the captain is mystified why such talented people are aboard his ship. 

In a time of worldwide immigration in every direction, it is important that we teach our children to accept and appreciate diversity. This story is just about that.

The Milly, Molly series of books (over 30!) are designed to promote healthy character and develop strong foundational values among children. 

Excerpt

“But tell me one thing,” said the Captain.

“Why are you stowing away on my ship when you all have such beautiful talents?”

“We thought we could prove our worth before being returned to shore,” said the first stowaway. 

“You see, no one gives us a chance.”

Milly, Molly and Salt and Pepper

Author: Gill Pittar

Illustrator: Cris Morrell

Year: 2003

Publisher: Milly Molly Books, New Zealand

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-1-87729-758-8

Milly and Molly are inseparable friends who constantly learn new things together about people, places and important values.

Milly and Molly visit Farmer Hegarty who lets them ride Salt and Pepper, a couple of old but very trusty horses. The children enjoy their day ambling about on the horses with their friends.

The Milly, Molly series of books (over 30!) are designed to promote healthy character and develop strong foundational values among children. 

Excerpt

And then they met Tom and George.

“Can we please come too?” they asked.

Salt and Pepper didn’t mind.

Clip-clop, clip-clop, clip-clop.

The day was an amble and a rosy red apple until it was time to go home. 

Arthur’s Fantastic Party

Author and Illustrator: Joseph Theobold 

Year: 2005

Publisher: Collins Big Cat, London

Age: 2 and above

No. of Pages: 24

Arthur plans to host an exciting party but only for fantastic animals. So who really are the fantastic animals? The three little pigs who love mud or the wolf who likes dressing up or the bear family that can cook good porridge? Oh dear!

I’d recommend this book to young readers for two reasons. One, the detailed illustrations and the bright colors make for a very happy reading time. Two, this story drives home the point that all of us are fantastic in our own way – something every child ought to know at a very young age before the world’s cut-throat competitiveness attempts to ruin the self esteem of the little one.

Excerpt

Arthur said, “Are you fantastic?”

“We make good porridge,” said the bears.

“Yuk! That doesn’t sound fantastic to me,” Arthur said. “You can’t come!”

That evening, Arthur put out the food and drinks. He was ready to party!

But something was wrong …

Ballet Sisters – The Newest Dancer

Author and Illustrator: Jan Ormerod

For Ages: 2 and above

No. of Pages: 32

Publisher: Scholastic, New York

Year: 2008

ISBN: 978-0-43982-282-4

Sisters make for such fun reading!

Little Sylvie watches her sister Bonnie at her ballet classes. It’s obvious she loves dancing as much as her big sister. 

Kindly Miss Trisha watches as Sylvie waddles, flaps and quacks at her ducky dance. Impressed, she arranges for the little one to have her very own dance lessons. 

Excerpt

Sylvie learns knee flaps, knee bends, and jump, jump, jump.

She learns pony trots and rag dolls, elephants and butterflies.

Then the girls curtsy and the boy bows.

Miss Amy says, “Well done, dancers. And well done to our newest dancer, Sylvie.”

One Winter’s Night

Author: Claire Freedman

Illustrator: Simon Mendez

For Ages: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 26

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, London

Year: 2009

ISBN: 978-1-84506-971-1

This book truly comes across as a gem amongst children’s books not just for the splendid illustrations but also for the poignant story that evoke tender thoughts in the readers.

A mysterious badger with warm, kindly eyes appears out of nowhere, hungry and cold. Fox, Mouse and Hare scamper to help him in their own tiny ways.

Each page is a marvelous expression in beauty. From snow-swept landscapes, to dark woods to glorious sunrise, Simon Mendez has captured details in stark clarity.

This beauty, definitely, belongs in your child’s bedtime library.      

Excerpt

Then together they curled up cosy and warm in their snowy den.

The wind howled and snow fell thickly, but they had never slept so well.

The next morning Badger had gone!

Moon Rabbit

Author and Illustrator: Natalie Russell

For Ages: 5 and above

No. of Pages: 32

Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books, London

Year: 2009

ISBN: 978-0-67001-170-4

Moon Rabbit is a brief story of a chance encounter and a beautiful friendship between two rabbits – Little Rabbit, who’s lived all her life in the city and Brown Rabbit, who lives in a park.

This book isn’t glossy or filled with bright colors. Therefore, while it might not appeal to many children, it is a tender tale of caring, being thoughtful and generous.    

Excerpt

But then, one dark night, Little Rabbit saw the city lights glowing in the distance and suddenly she felt sad.

“The city is so beautiful," she sighed.

Brown Rabbit was quiet. How could anything be as beautiful as the moonlit park, he thought. 

I Love You, Blue Kangaroo!

Author and Illustrator: Emma Chichester Clark

For Ages: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 15

Publisher: Picture Lions, London

Year: 2000

ISBN: 978-0-44041-549-7

Meet Lily and her favorite toy, Blue Kangaroo. Thanks to a series of gifts leading up to her birthday, Lily ends up sharing her bed with Tiny Teddy, Long-Eared Owl, Wiggly Green Crocodile and others. 

Poor Kangaroo feels a mite lonely and unhappy. He finds a warm, cozy bed with Lily’s baby brother. 

However, Lily remembers her favorite and trades all her toys with her brother for the Blue Kangaroo. 

Excerpt

“Goo goo, boo gangaloo!” gurgled the baby as he squeezed Blue Kangaroo tightly in his tiny little pink fists.

The next day, Lily looked everywhere for Blue Kangaroo.

“Goo goo, boo gangaloo!” cooed the baby.

“Mine!” cried the baby.

“No!” shouted Lily. 

The Terrible Greedy Fossifoo

Author and Illustrator: Charles Fuge

For Ages: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 30

Publisher: Simon and Schuster, London

Year: 2009

ISBN: 978-1-41691-037-4

Meet the brightly colored and contented creatures of the Great Green Forest who lived happily until “the terrible greedy Fossifoo arrived!”

This story about greed, repentance and propitiation ought to go well with children besides introducing them to the concept of sharing and caring for the world around them.   

I loved how Fuge uses colors to demonstrate the ravages of greed as the palette gently but inexorably moves from lush, vibrant greens to bare, lifeless browns.

Though, I must say, the name Fossifoo reminds me a lot of ‘fossil fuels’.

Excerpt

“What have I done?” whispered the Fossifoo, and he started to cry.

He cried and cried and cried until he had no tears left to cry. If only he had taken care of the beautiful forest.

Then he noticed it – beneath his feet, watered by all the tears, a tiny seed had sprouted.  

Big Hug: The Jungle House

Author: John Grace

Illustrator: Stuart Trotter

Publisher: Ladybird Books, UK

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 26

ISBN: 978 0 72141 433 8

Big Hug is a gentle blue bear who lives on Coconut Island.

Max the Cat and Billy the Rabbit set up a jungle house which is occupied by a mean-tempered elephant. They enlist the help of many friends to get the elephant to leave the house but the angry giant is in no mood to listen. Until Big Hug gets help from a little friend. :-)

The Big Hug series from Ladybird Books is ideal for pre-readers and beginner readers. What makes the text stand-out is the presence of repetitive phrasing and the use of several easy words to encourage children to read.

Excerpt

Max and Billy went to see the tiger.

He was very brave.

They told him about the elephant with big ears.

Tiger went to the jungle house. “Roarr-r!” went the tiger. 

Other books in the Big Hug series include

• A Busy Day
• A Quiet Walk
• Hide and Seek Counting 
• Rainbow Colours

Peter’s Good Idea

Author: Enid Blyton

Year: 2000 (this edition)

Publisher: Grandreams Ltd., London

Age: 5 and above

No. of Pages: 22

ISBN: 978 1 85830 524 1

This classic gem from Enid Blyton, is a story of four town children, Peter, Jane, Tom and Bessie who are at a farm.

While looking to do something useful, they find baskets of apples in the apple-shed with many of them going bad. While the others want to sneak away a few apples to eat, Peter is firmly against it. 

Instead, he has a good idea that he pitches to the grateful Farmer who, in turn, generously rewards Peter and his friends for choosing to be honest.

Excerpt

“Good boy!” said the farmer, “But, my lad, you must have a little reward for your good idea! You and your friends can help yourselves to a couple of apples each, every day. There are enough apples there to feed an army, if they are well sorted out into good and bad – so you help yourselves, and choose the juiciest you can find! Children that are honest and can be trusted deserve to have a reward!”

Duck's scoopy doopy beak

Author: Jillian Harker

Illustrator: Simon Abbott

For Ages: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 32

Publisher: Bright Sparks, UK

Year: 2002

ISBN: 978-1-84250-533-5

Welcome to Goosefeather farm, a warm and happy place. With delightful, brightly illustrated pages, the book deserves a place in your library.

It is Duck’s first day at Goosefeather Farm and its other residents find it hard to accept the differences between themselves and their newest member especially her beak.

Soon, they realize that the duck not only has a heart of gold but her beak comes to the rescue of Hen’s eggs, Cat’s kittens and Horse’s oats.

The Goosefeather Farm series is a colorful and cheery means to introduce children to diversity and to help them appreciate the unique differences that make each of us special.  

Excerpt

Cat, Hen and Horse gathered in the farmyard.

“Duck really does look silly,” said Cat.

“We agree,” said Horse and Hen. “What is the point of having a beak that’s so big?”

The three friends nodded to each other, but they were all soon to find out!

Milly, Molly and the Bike Ride

Author: Gill Pittar

Illustrator: Cris Morrell

For Ages: 6 and above

No. of Pages: 24

Publisher: Milly Molly Books, New Zealand

Year: 2003

ISBN: 978-1-86972-046-9

Milly and Molly, good friends, are on their way to Milly’s grandparents’ house for lunch. On the way, they have fun – whispering with the ladybirds, fluttering with butterflies and more, until they are just in time for lunch.

Excerpt

They stopped to clamber with the goats and chew the cud with the cows.

“We can’t be late.”

“We mustn’t be late.”

Milly and Molly rode on. 

Uncle Rabbit’s Busy Visit

Text: Christa Kempter

Illustrations: Frauke Weldin

Year: 2010

Publisher: North-South Books, New York  

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 24

ISBN:  978 0 73582 320 4

Well, this is supposed to be a children’s book but it’s could be a good morale booster for grown-ups too!

The story is about relatives, and, sometimes, friends  who brim over with so much advice and suggestions that, unknowingly, they tend to take over our homes (and lives!) in their attempt to do good for us.

Uncle Rabbit’s visiting Wally and Mae’s home. In a couple of days, though, Wally’s wallpaper has been changed, silk curtains hung up, furniture's been moved around and soon it doesn't feel like home anymore. 

Wally knows it’s time to speak up.

This is a book about being sensitive to others' feelings and it's a picture book, too. So, yes, it’s a keeper!

Excerpt

“Wait!” stuttered Wally. “That’s not what I meant. It’s just that I liked my carrot wallpaper. And the colorful cushions are lovely, but they’re too hard to wash. And silk curtains are just too fancy for my little house.”

Uncle Rabbit cleaned his spectacles thoughtfully.